Real Housewives of New York City: Countess LuAnn Reuniting with Count; Show Renewed for Third Season; Hold-Out Over Money May Result in New Housewives

COUNTESS LuAnn de Lesseps, who split from husband Count Alex after the second season of “Real Housewives of New York City,” might be reconciling soon.

PageSix reported that the Count, who is not exactly swimming in money, rented a St. Tropez villa for 100,000 euros for the summer to impress his girlfriend, Ethiopian Princess Kemeria Abajobir Abajifar, who brought her two kids to play with the Lesseps’ kids, Victoria, 14, and Noel, 12. “Things did not work out,” reports a Riviera spy, who said the princess’ behavior seemed less than noble, “her manners leaving a lot to be desired. After one week Count Lesseps ordered everyone out of the house and is now trying to reconcile with, you guessed it, good old LuAnn from the good old US of A.” LuAnn’s rep confirmed, “It’s true Alex got rid of the girlfriend,” but added that LuAnn was in the South of France separately and not cohabiting with her husband. To be continued…..

Season 3 of the hit show has been renewed, but some ‘Housewives’ might not be back if they don’t get more cash

Announcing that the reality series will return in 2010, Bravo said it is “casting for additional housewives” amid reports about a salary dispute between the cable network and the six cast members: Alex McCord, Bethenny Frankel, Jill Zarin, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, LuAnn de Lesseps and Ramona Singer. Although each of the women has been asked back, only newest housewife Kelly Bensimon has signed on to appear next season. A network insider tells us the other ladies are dragging their feet over money and not all of the ladies have signed up to return to the hit Bravo show. Taping for the show begins in 2 weeks.

“The Housewives all want six-figure deals,” says our source. “They barely made 10 grand for the first season, and now are all a bit too big for their britches. They want the whole shebang: a clothing allowance, money for hair and makeup, a set raise and a promised amount of screen time.”

To be prepared in case anyone refuses to sign her contract (a network rep refused to comment on any contract negotiations), Bravo has quietly been interviewing at least 30 prospective cast members. One “Housewife” source tells us that the interviewees are single moms in their 30s who are as attractive and well-connected as socialite Bensimon.

Bensimon confirmed to pals over the weekend in the Hamptons that she’ll be returning to the show. The future is uncertain for fellow “Housewives” Bethenny Frankel, Jill Zarin, Ramona Singer, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps and Alex McCord “We’re in discussions for next season,” McCord said recently. “Let’s put it this way: We’re headed to Australia to promote the show. And we wouldn’t be doing that if we weren’t ready for next season.”